Steve Phelps to resign as NASCAR Commissioner ahead of 2026 season

Steve Phelps became NASCAR's first Commissioner in March of 2025 after previously working as the president of NASCAR since 2018.

However, he will leave that position at the end of January, and NASCAR does not plan to replace the role of Commissioner for the time being. Instead, his duties will be shared by other existing executives. As for why there won't be someone else appointed to the role of Commissioner, NASCAR said that this change "comes during a time of stability with an exceptional leadership team in place that ensures the continuity of NASCAR’s strategic vision and critical execution."

NASCAR also called it a 'personal decision' by Phelps to leave, who released the following statement:

"As a lifelong race fan, it gives me immense pride to have served as NASCAR's first Commissioner and to lead our great sport through so many incredible challenges, opportunities and firsts over my 20 years," said Phelps. Our sport is built on the passion of our fans, the dedication of our teams and partners, and the commitment of our wonderful employees. It has been an honor to help synthesize the enthusiasm of long-standing NASCAR stakeholders with that of new entrants to our ecosystem, such as media partners, auto manufacturers, track operators, and incredible racing talent.

Nascar Commissioner Steve Phelps

Photo by: Sean Gardner / Getty Images

"As I embark on new pursuits in sports and other industries, I want to thank the many colleagues, friends, and especially the fans that have played such an important and motivational role in my career. Words cannot fully convey the deep appreciation I have for this life-changing experience, for the trust of the France family, and for having a place in NASCAR's amazing history."

No reason was given for his departure and he was praised throughout the news release, but Phelps hasn't been the most popular man in the garage in recent months. He was criticized heavily for some controversial comments that came out during the 23XI/FRM vs. NASCAR antitrust lawsuit, which ended with a settlement partway through the trial. In unsealed documents showing messages between NASCAR leadership, Phelps called longtime team owner Richard Childress a "stupid redneck" and suggested he needed to be flogged.

This sparked widespread condemnation, and in the middle of the trial, Bass Pro Shops CEO Johnny Morris published a scathing letter in defense of Childress, and implied that he would like to see Phelps removed from his position. 

Speaking on his departure, NASCAR Chairman and CEO Jim France said: “Steve will forever be remembered as one of NASCAR’s most impactful leaders. For decades he has worked tirelessly to thrill fans, support teams and execute a vision for the sport that has treated us all to some of the greatest moments in our nearly 80-year history. It’s been an honor to work alongside him in achieving the impossible like being the first sport to return during Covid, or in delivering the unimaginable by launching new races in the LA Memorial Coliseum and NASCAR’s first-ever street race in downtown Chicago. Steve leaves NASCAR with a transformative legacy of innovation and collaboration with an unrelenting growth mindset.”